Update 7/24: Ford has priced the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid at $33,745, slightly higher than the least-expensive Toyota Prius plug-in. The C-Max is eligible for a $3750 federal tax credit, which brings its overall cost just below the $30,000 mark. Three option packages are available for between $1195 and $2495, and include goodies like navigation and a Sony audio system, a power liftgate and a backup camera, and active parking assist. The Energi plug-in’s electric-only range is 20 miles, or about half of Chevy’s 38-mile claim for the Volt, which costs $32,495 after a federal tax break of up to $7500. To the Ford’s credit, you get more space for your stuff and a fifth seat.

It has been a while since we last heard any news regarding Ford’s upcoming C-Max twins—hybrid and plug-in Energi—but today the silence was broken. Ford has announced the C-Max hybrid will start at $25,995 when it goes on sale in the fall. (The company has not disclosed how much it will charge to deliver the C-Max to a dealer near you.) Ford is quick to point out that the C-Max’s price undercuts that of Toyota’s similarly sized Prius V tall hatchback/small van thing by $550. (Again, not including applicable destination charges.) The C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid will arrive towards the end of 2012 and its price tag hasn’t been revealed.

As you can probably tell, Ford is sizing up Toyota’s Prius V as the C-Max hybrid’s key competitor, with the V and the plug-in version of the regular Prius falling into the C-Max Energi’s sights. Ford also took the opportunity to hype the C-Max hybrid’s Toyota Prius V–beating efficiency, although the company did not provide any numbers for comparison; the Prius V is EPA rated for 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Ford claims that the C-Max Energi will better the Prius plug-in’s 95 MPGe electric-mode fuel economy, as well as that car’s total driving range.

The C-Max hybrid will go on sale nationwide this fall, but the C-Max Energi will initially be available only in select markets. Ford will ship the Energi only to its electric vehicle–certified dealers—the same ones trained up on the Focus Electric. That means the same 19 markets where the Focus Electric is currently available will also get the C-Max Energi. The Energi’s limited distribution pattern makes sense, as it’s built on the same line as the Focus Electric. Expect more details on both C-Maxes in the coming months.